Karina grew up in the Rio Grande neighborhood and has been a part of the Ciudad Nueva youth programs since she was in third grade. She was referred by her school counselor, and soon after she got connected, her brother and older sister joined as well. “I loved being there with the mentors,” says Karina. “The people who help are really welcoming, opening their lives and helping me and my family.” A step of leadership begins a journey to college “When I was a freshman, they asked me if I wanted to volunteer in the middle school program,” says Karina. “I would help them do the activities and … [Read more...]
Suddenly the World Got Bigger
High school graduation and a vision for their lives beyond opens up a world of possibility to high school students at Ciudad Nueva "My favorite part about the Catalyst trip was seeing all of my college options. I didn't really know if I would be able to go to college, but going on this trip I've seen that it will be a hard journey, but I know it's doable. I now know that college is an option for me!" says Carolina Enriquez. One of the more dramatic impacts we have seen at Ciudad Nueva is how our students grow through our programs and how those programs help them stay on the path toward … [Read more...]
Mustard Seed Café Serves Up Love and Opportunity
...And a delicious meal! From a tiny seed a plant can grow to nourish and sustain many people. A tiny seed of an idea was born in the hearts of our friends Christi Brown, Patsy Burdick and Shelley Speicher to open up the Mustard Seed Café. For about a year before the café actually opened they prepared the meals for Ciudad Nueva youth programs and community dinners as well as volunteered in our after-school programs, building relationships with kids and families in our neighborhood. In addition, Christi and Patsy participated in the Border Fellows class. “God had worked in my heart for … [Read more...]
